Jan 25, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson
The cold January temperatures couldn’t be felt inside New York’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center last week as the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Big Show sizzled with new technology and solutions for retailers.
The show is held in New York City every year - the mecca of the retail industry and a convenient location for international retailers who make up about 25 percent of the attendees.
“The energy, enthusiasm and passion come together at the Big Show and it makes every January something truly very special,” Matthew Shay, president and CEO, NRF announced.
This… more
Jan 24, 2016
In the latest Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s 5-year Census Report, the number of annual business-to-business and business-to-consumer events in the United States increased 3.5 percent to 11,427.
The 2015 CEIR Exhibition Industry Census tracked the overall number of B-to-B and B-to-C shows held in the U.S., Canada and Mexico to be 13,447, accounting for just more than 107 million attendees and 1.9 million exhibitors.
"The Census, along with the yearly Index are two of the most powerful research tools offered to the exhibition industry by CEIR," said CEIR President and CEO, Brian… more
Jan 22, 2016
Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) named Don Welsh, CEO of Choose Chicago, as the new president and CEO.
DMAI retained the executive recruiting firm SearchWide to manage the search process for a new CEO last fall.
“After a thorough search process that included a stellar group of candidates, we are thrilled that Don has accepted this position,” said Bob Lander, chairman of the DMAI board of directors and CEO of the Austin CVB.
He added, “We are confident that he will lead DMAI in becoming the premier trade association for destination marketing organizations both in the… more
Jan 21, 2016
The New Year signaled an even bigger uptick of hiring in January not only in companies based here in the U.S., but also some well-known ones overseas.
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority’s (MCCA) newly minted Executive Director David Gibbons made two key senior executive decisions by naming Fred Peterson as the new deputy director and Dennis Callahan as the general counsel for the organization.
Peterson served as the interim executive director from July 1, 2015, until Dec. 31, 2015, while also fulfilling the duties of director of facilities operations.
Callahan, similarly,… more
Jan 19, 2016
The first-ever “Global Exhibitions Day” - a global initiative that unites exhibition organizers, venues, associations and service providers from countries all around the world - will launch June 8.
Driven by Paris-based UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and Dallas-based IAEE – The International Association of Exhibitions and Events, a growing list of associations and industry players have pledged to join forces to promote the industry and to highlight its achievements.
“There are many great national and regional initiatives, addressing exhibitors, visitors, policymakers… more
Jan 19, 2016
The Association for Women in Events (AWE), launched last March, is officially opening its doors and accepting applications for membership starting Jan. 20.
AWE’s mission is clear: to be an inclusive community dedicated to the professional advancement of women in all facets of the events industry.
“When presented with the AWE mission statement, I knew right away that I wanted to become a Charter Member of the Leadership Society,” said Stephen Peeler, vice president, Development of ASAE Foundation.
He added, “I encourage my friends, peers, former coworkers, fellow association members from… more
Jan 16, 2016
Freeman has expanded its digital service offerings with the acquisition Boise, Idaho-based Klowd.com, an audience engagement technology developer of event-focused second screen technology.
“Our clients have positively responded to second screen technology, embracing the ability to increase audience engagement, create conversations and amplify content in real time,” said Richard Maranville, Freeman’s chief digital officer.
He said, “Paired with its data and analytics engine that allows our clients to measure the impact of their content and presentations, we felt it was a ‘win-win’… more
Jan 16, 2016
The first annual SpaceCom (Space Commerce Conference and Expo) drew more than 1,700 professionals, representing the aerospace, financial, energy, medical, maritime, satellite communications and advanced manufacturing industries.
The three-day event took place Nov. 17-19 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, capitalizing on an estimated $320 billion global space economy-one that's growing by the minute.
Visit Houston/Houston First Corp. and National Trade Productions (NTP) partnered to create SpaceCom.
"We could not have asked for a better launch… more
Jan 14, 2016
Association management company, SmithBucklin, acquired SDI, an incentive travel, strategic meetings and special events company based in Chicago.
The announcement was made by Matt Sanderson, president and CEO of SmithBucklin, and Scott Dillion, founder and president of SDI.
"Scott and his team have built a tremendous reputation for themselves and their company due to the successes they have driven for their clients, and we're excited to have SDI become part of the SmithBucklin story," Sanderson said.
The transaction enhances SmithBucklin’s growing corporate event planning portfolio, and brings… more
Jan 13, 2016
Experient, a meeting and event solutions company, formed a strategic partnership agreement with Talley Management Group.
This partnership allows Experient to offer its clients outstanding á la carte association management services, including comprehensive financial management, membership growth through database management, and business and administrative support.
“Partnering with Talley Management Group will give our clients access to selected association management services delivered by a respected and well known association management company while still maintaining their… more
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.